BGSU research is creating public good

Spring 2019 shined a light on the important research being done at BGSU. Several faculty and students were honored for their achievements in their fields and creating public good.

In May, Dr. Timothy Davis was honored in Washington, D.C., for research on harmful algal blooms.  Davis, an associate professor of biological sciences at BGSU, received the Gears of Government President’s Award on May 22 in for advancing rapid and remote detection of harmful algal bloom toxins. The President’s Awards are the highest level of distinction within the Gears of Government program. 

Dr. Jolie Sheffer was recognized for enhancing the connection of humanities research with community needs. Sheffer, director of BGSU’s Institute for the Study of Culture and Society, received the 2019 David Hoch Memorial Award for Excellence in Service. The award is designed to recognize the outstanding work in service-learning and/or civic engagement of two faculty or staff members at Ohio Campus Compact member institutions.

An article by Dr. Jacqueline Justice, associate professor of English at BGSU Firelands, has been awarded the inaugural Anne Boyd Rioux Prize by the Constance Fenimore Woolson Society . The new prize is named after one of the first scholars to promote serious Woolson research and the goals of the society.

In April, Dr. Amanda Cook was recognized for joint work with a graduate student. Cook, assistant professor in the Bowling Green State University Department of Economics, won the 2019 President’s Award for Collaborative Research and Creative Work in recognition of her joint research with graduate student Alice Hanan Abboud. Their project reflected each of their interests and resulted in a paper being considered for publication.

Dr. Raymond  Schuck’s work with undergraduates garners the 2019 Blinn Award. Schuck, associate professor in the Department of Communication at BGSU Firelands, received the 2019 Elliott L. Blinn Award for Faculty-Undergraduate Student Innovative Basic Research/Creative Work, presented at the Faculty Excellence Awards April 16. His collaborative work with students has helped develop their research skills and confidence.

Dr. Farida Selim’s research agenda and productivity was recognized with the Outstanding Early Career Award at the Faculty Excellence Awards. Since joining the BGSU faculty in 2013, Selim has been exceptionally productive in the field of physics and astronomy. Bowling Green State University awarded her excellent work ethic and strong research skills with the award April 16.

Dr. Lewis Fulcher’s lasting contributions merit the Lifetime Achievement Award. Fulcher, Bowling Green State University professor of physics, was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award by Faculty Senate on April 16 in recognition of his lasting and significant contributions to teaching, research and service over his 46 years at the University.

Dr. Mikhail Zamkov receives support for his work with nanomaterials. Zamkov, a Bowling Green State University professor of physics and astronomy, was named a 2019 Professor of Research Excellence to provide additional support for his groundbreaking study of nanomaterials. The title is for a period of three years, with an annual stipend of $5,000.

BGSU student researchers were honored for their work on diversity issues. Four undergraduate students were honored April 10 for their presentations at the 2019 Undergraduate Symposium on Diversity: Opportunities and Challenges for the Inclusion of Diversity in Higher Education and Society, hosted by the Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship.

In March, Dr. Juan Bouzat’s research team sheds light on penguin evolution. Bouzat, a professor in BGSU’s Department of Biological Sciences, is part of an international research team studying the evolution of penguins. He is a co-author of a study published in the journal of the Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution that demonstrates the importance of island formation in the diversification of penguins.

In February, BGSU bee research creates buzz about urban agriculture and climate change. A new study by BGSU scientists reports that urbanization might impact bees’ body temperatures and water content and possibly contribute to the decline in bee populations. The research by Justin Burdine, a BGSU doctoral candidate in biology, and Dr. Kevin McCluney appears in a recent article published in Scientific Reports.

Dr. George Bullerjahn was named Distinguished Research Professor on Feb. 22. Bullerjahn, professor of research excellence in biological sciences, was recognized by the BGSU Board of Trustees at its February meeting. 

In January, Dr. Marshall Wilson was named Fellow of the Inter-American Photochemical Society. Wilson, research professor in the Department of Chemistry, has had a long and illustrious career in photochemistry and photo-biochemistry. In recognition of his work, the Inter-American Photochemical Society named him a Fellow, an honor reserved for only 2 percent of the society's membership of about 600.